Media & Public Relations

Binghamton University students celebrate Spring Fling weekend

2004-04-30

Binghamton University students will officially bid adieu to cold weather during Spring Fling festivities this weekend. Students will usher in the spring with one of the University’s oldest traditions, the annual “Stepping on the Coat,” and a jam-packed schedule of music, food and fun. The events are open to the community.

Festivities will begin at noon, Saturday, May 1, in front of the upper level of the University Union.

A BU tradition, the “Stepping on the Coat” ceremony, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. A rite of spring since 1962, the coat-stomping ritual has, according to students, become vital to the onset of warm weather after Binghamton’s long winters.

Activities will include a garage sale, interactive booths and vendors. A variety of bands and musicians, including the Rhythm Method a capella group, Nautilus, the Joe Rogers Band, the unpronounceable, and Frank Barile will provide musical entertainment throughout the day. Additional entertainment will be provided by the International Flag Dance group, the Nervous Breakdown break dancing troupe and comedians Pappy Parker Players. Carnival rides lined up to entertain the crowds include the Round-up and the Hammer.

Spring Fling will close with a live performance by pop rock band Brand New at 7:30 p.m. The 6:30 p.m. opening act is Nightmare of You.

Spring Fling is sponsored by the Student Association’s University Programming Board, the Office of Campus Activities and Orientation, Harpur Jazz, campus radio station WHRW, Off Campus College Meeting, and the Division of Student Affairs. For more information about Spring Fling, contact 607-777-2811 or 607-777-6503.